How to make an oral rehydration solution at home

Written by ehow contributor

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Dehydration is a serious problem in the wake of disasters. (Getty Creative)

Diarrhoea is an inconvenience for most of us but in other parts of the world and in very poor regions it can be a potential killer. Especially for children whose bodies are already challenged by malnutrition and disease. An oral rehydration formula, when none is available medically, is needed to deal with the problem, providing electrolytes, glucose and water to the body.

Skill level:

Easy

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Things you need

Handful of sugar

Pinch of salt

1 litre filtered or boiled water

Container

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Instructions

1

Boil approximately 1 litre of filtered clean water. Boiling the water will kill any contaminating bacteria and ensure that the water is sterile.

2

Measure out 1 litre of the boiled water and in a suitable container like a pitcher. Always ensure that anything that is going to be exposed to the solution is clean and as close to sterile as you can make it.

3

Add to the boiled water a pinch of regular table salt. Stir the solution well and ensure that the salt fully dissolves in the water.

4

Add a heaping handful of sugar. Regular baking sugar will work for this situation. Stir the sugar into the solution until it dissolves. This solution is now ready to consume. The taste may be unpleasant but it will save lives.